What key information should a patient record system maintain regarding medications?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of maintaining comprehensive patient records, which is crucial for ensuring safe and effective medication management. A patient record system should contain the patient’s full information, including demographics, medical history, and a complete record of all medications prescribed in the prior year. This level of detail allows healthcare professionals to monitor potential drug interactions, adjustments for allergies or other health conditions, and overall treatment efficacy.

By having a complete medication history, pharmacists can make informed decisions regarding the appropriateness of new prescriptions and avoid duplicating therapies or prescribing contraindicated medications. Also, a robust record aids in continuity of care, especially when transferring patients between different healthcare providers.

Focusing solely on the names of medications, recent prescriptions, or just the history of allergies and insurance status would lead to gaps in knowledge. These gaps can increase the risk of adverse drug events and negatively impact patient outcomes. Thus, option C reflects best practices in medication management by ensuring a thorough understanding of a patient's healthcare background.